ThisbibliographywascompiledinMay2007.

FornewtitlesaddedtotheGateway
database,goto:http://basis.caliber.com/cwig/ws/library/docs/gateway/SearchForm

ReunificationProgramsandPractices
2002present

SuccessfulFamilyReunifications:ThePowerofStories(Including,EvidenceBasedPractices
RelatedtoFamilyReunificationandStability).
Jamieson,Marie.
ChildrensHomeSocietyofWashington.
JamiesonConsulting.
2006
ChildrensHomeSocietyofWashington
3300NE65thSt.
Seattle,WA981150190
Tel:(206)6953200
chswa@chswa.org
AvailableFrom:http://www.chswa.org
Thisreportdiscussestheoutcomesofaprojectthatexploredtheexperiencesof12parentswho
havebeensuccessfullyreunifiedwiththeirchildrenforoverayearandaredoingwell.Allofthe
reunifiedchildren(16intotal)hadbeeninoutofhomeplacementmorethan3months(the
medianwas1215months).Atthetimeofthechildprotectiveservicesremoval,onequarterof
thechildrenwerelessthanoneyearoldandthreeofthesixteenwereteenagers.Allofthe
reunificationshadbeenforatleastayearandnotmorethanfiveyears.Forthestudy,each
parentwasprivatelyaskedtotellhisorherstoryandfourareasofinquirywereexplored:
gettingmychildrenback,keepingmyfamilytogether,adviceforotherparents,andparents
ideasforchange.Thereportusestheparentsownwordstodescribetheirexperiencesandideas
ineachoftheareasofinquiry.Keyfactorsparentsidentifiedashelpingthemsucceedinclude:
housing,includingcleanandsobershelters,transitionalhousing,andavailabilityofSection8
vouchers;assistanceinaccessingservicesandeffectivecoordinationamongserviceproviders;
beingheldaccountableandparticipatinginstaffingsandcourthearings;andparentchildvisits
beingscheduledrightaway,availablemorethanonceperweek,andheldinacomfortable
setting.Evidencebasedpracticesrelatedtofamilyreunificationandstabilityarealsoshared.13
references.
http://www.chswa.org/successfulreunifications.pdf
Integratingsubstanceabusetreatmentandchildwelfareservices:findingsfromtheIllinois
AlcoholandOtherDrugAbuseWaiverDemonstration.
Ryan,JosephP.Marsh,JeanneC.Testa,MarkF.Louderman,Richard.
UniversityofIllinoisatUrbanaChampaign.

2006
SocialWorkResearch
30(2)p.95107
Availablefrom:NationalAssociationofSocialWorkers
7501stSt.NE
Washington,DC200024241
Tel:(800)6388799
Fax:(301)2067989
TDD/TTY:2023368396
nasw@naswdc.org
Alcoholandotherdrugabuseisamajorproblemforchildrenandfamiliesinvolvedwithpublic
childwelfare.Substanceabusecompromisesappropriateparentingpracticesandincreasesthe
riskofchildmaltreatment.Asubstantialproportionofsubstantiatedchildabuseandneglect
reportsinvolveparentalsubstanceabuse.Onceinthesystem,childrenofsubstanceabusing
familiesexperiencesignificantlylongerstaysinfostercareandsignificantlylowerratesof
reunification.Toaddresstheseproblems,childwelfaresystemsaredevelopingservice
integrationmodelsthatincorporatebothsubstanceabuseandchildwelfareservices.Thisstudy
providesaninitialexaminationoftheeffectivenessofoneserviceintegrationmodelthat
emphasizestheprovisionofintensivecasemanagementtolinksubstanceabuseandchild
welfareservices.Theauthorsusedanexperimentaldesignandfocusedparticularattentionon
twooutcomes:accesstosubstanceabuseservicesandfamilyreunification.Thefindingsindicate
thatthefamiliesassignedtotheexperimentalgroupusedsubstanceabuseservicesata
significantlyhigherrateandweremorelikelytoachievefamilyreunificationthanwerefamilies
inthecontrolgroup.(Authorabstract)
Integratedservicesforfamilieswithmultipleproblems:obstaclestofamilyreunification.
Marsh,JeanneC.Ryan,JosephP.Choi,Sam.Testa,MarkF.
2006
Childrenandyouthservicesreview
28(9)p.10741087
Availablefrom:Elsevier
CustomerServiceDepartment6277SeaHarborDrive
Orlando,FL328874800
Tel:(877)8397126
Fax:(407)3631354
usbkinfo@elsevier.com
AvailableFrom:http://www.sciencedirect.com
Childwelfareclientswithcooccurringproblemsarerecognizedasclientswhohavedifficulty
achievingpositivechildwelfareoutcomes.Thecurrentstudyfocusesonfamiliesinthechild
welfaresystemwithcooccurringproblemsandtheimpactofsuchproblemsonthelikelihoodof
reunification.Thecurrentstudycontributestotheliteratureonserviceintegrationbyexamining

whetheritisnecessarytogobeyondassessmentandserviceaccesstoinsurefamiliesmake
progressineachcooccurringproblemareatoachievereunification.Thesampleiscomprisedof
724substanceabusingfamiliesenrolledintheIllinoisTitleIVEAlcoholandOtherDrugAbuse
(AODA)WaiverDemonstration.Dataonclientprogressconsistedofproviderratingscompleted
quarterlytotrackprogressrelatedtoproblemsofsubstanceabuse,domesticviolence,housing
andmentalhealth.Thefindingsindicatethatprogressinresolvingcooccurringproblemareas
doesincreasethelikelihoodofachievingfamilyreunification.Thus,theprovisionofthechild
welfareservicemodelaloneisinsufficient.Inorderforchildwelfaresystemstoincrease
reunificationrates,servicesmusttargetthespecificneedsofindividualfamiliesandassistthem
inachievingprogresswithincooccurringproblemareas.Successfulintegratedserviceprograms
mustidentifytherangeofspecificproblemsthatclientsaredealingwithandinsurethatthey
addressandresolvetheseproblemsinordertoincreasethelikelihoodoffamilyreunification.
(Authorabstract)
Reunification[website].
CaliforniaEvidenceBasedClearinghouseforChildWelfare.
2006
PublicationInformation:CaliforniaEvidenceBasedClearinghouseforChildWelfare
ChadwickCenterforChildrenandFamiliesChildrensHospitalandHealthCenter3020
ChildrensWay,MC5017
SanDiego,CA92123
Tel:8589667431
http://www.cachildwelfareclearinghouse.org/contactus
AvailableFrom:http://www.cachildwelfareclearinghouse.org/
TheCaliforniaEvidenceBasedClearinghouseforChildWelfare(CEBC)websiteisdesignedto
allowyouaccesstoasummaryofpracticetopicalareasorprogramsrelevanttooneormore
majorchildwelfaregoals.Thislinkallowsyoutoviewtheprogramsthathavebeenreviewed
andratedbytheCEBCintheReunificationtopicalarea.Resultsareshownonlyfortheprograms
thathavebeenratedineachcategory.(Authorabstractmodified)
http://www.cachildwelfareclearinghouse.org/search/topicalarea/8
Trialhomevisits:strengtheningreunificationpractices.
UniversityofMinnesota.SchoolofSocialWork.UniversityofMinnesota.CenterforAdvanced
StudiesinChildWelfare.
2006
CASCWpracticenotes
18p.113htmlpages
Availablefrom:UniversityofMinnesota
SchoolofSocialWork105PetersHall1404GortnerAvenue
St.Paul,MN55108
Tel:61262512208007798636
Fax:6126243744

sswinfo@che.umn.edu
AvailableFrom:http://ssw.che.umn.edu
Thetrialhomevisitisnowakeystrategyinassuringsuccessfulreunification.InMinnesota,asin
therestofthecountry,reunification,theprocessofreconnectingchildreninoutofhomecare
withtheirfamilies,hasspecialsignificance.Minnesotaemphasizesreunificationwithparentsas
themostcommonandpreferredpermanencyarrangementforchildren.Inordertoimprove
stabilityinthereunificationprocess,theconceptofatrialhomevisitwasrecentlyintroducedasa
legislativeinitiative(M.S.260C.201subd1).ThiseditionofPracticeNotesisintendedtoprovide
guidelinesforstrengtheningpracticeinthevolatileandcrisisriddenperiodofreunification,
knownasthetrialhomevisit.(Authorabstract)
http://ssw.che.umn.edu/CASCW/pn_306.html
FamilyReunification:WhattheEvidenceShows
IssueBrief
ChildWelfareInformationGateway
2006
ChildWelfareInformationGateway
ChildrensBureau/ACYF1250MarylandAvenue,SWEighthFloor
Washington,DC20024
Tel:800.394.3366703.385.7565
Fax:703.385.3206
info@childwelfare.gov
AvailableFrom:http://www.childwelfare.gov
Familyreunification,theprocessofreturningchildrenintemporaryoutofhomecaretotheir
familiesoforigin,isthemostcommongoalandoutcomeforchildreninoutofhomecare.This
issuebriefexaminesStates?successesandchallengesrelatedtofamilyreunification,as
documentedintheFederalChildandFamilyServicesReviews;reviewsresearchregarding
factorscontributingtotimely,stablereunifications;offersspecificprogramexamplesthat
illustratethesefactors;andusesalloftheabovetosuggestseveralguidingprinciplesforpractice
inthiscriticalareaofpermanencyplanning.
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/issue_briefs/family_reunification/index.cfm
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/issue_briefs/family_reunification/family_reunification.pdf
FamilyReunificationInitiative:ANeedsAssessmentandFamilyReunificationProgramto
AddresstheChallengesThatFemaleOffendersandTheirDependentChildrenFaceinFamily
Reunification.
DAIB67/01,p.601,Jul2006
Mceuin,CourtneyLeigh.
SpaldingUniversity.
2006
ProQuestDigitalDissertations
Tel:18005210600,extension3042

AvailableFrom:http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/
Thecurrentexploratorystudywasundertakenforthepurposesof(1)identifyingtheneedsofa
representativesampleoffemaleoffenderswithdependentchildrenwhoplantotransitionfrom
theKentuckyCorrectionalInstitutionforWomen(KCIW),amediumsecuritywomensprison,
backtoJeffersonCounty,Kentucky:(2)surveyingcommunityserviceagenciesthatare
potentiallyusefultoreleaseesintheareaoffamilyreunification;(3)identifyinggapsinfamily
reunificationservices;(4)designingaprogramthatwillhelpwomenwhoaretransitioningback
tothecommunitytoincreasetheprobabilityofreunificationwithfamilymembers,especially
dependentchildren;and(5)designingasetofmethodstoevaluatesuchaprogram.Fortysix
femaleoffenderparticipantsfromKCIWwhowerebeingconsideredforparoleorhadreached
theendoftheirprisonsentencewithplanstotransitionbackintoJeffersonCountyvoluntarily
participatedinsemistructuredinterviewsinordertodiscoverthecommonfamilyreunification
needsoffemalereleasees.Eighteencommunityserviceagenciesparticipatedinsemistructured
interviewstoidentifytheservicecapacityavailabletofemalereleaseesandanygapsinfamily
reunificationservices.Theresultsofthefemaleoffenderandcommunityservicesurveys
demonstratedthatfemalereleaseeswithdependentchildrencouldbenefitfromthe
implementationofafamilyreunificationprogramthatprovidesindividualized,intensivefamily
casemanagementandservicecoordinationanddirectfamilyserviceprovision.(Authorabstract)
http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/preview/3205125
Refiningthepracticeoffamilyreunification:miningsuccessfulfostercarecaserecordsof
substanceabusingfamilies(ChapterofChildwelfareforthetwentyfirstcentury:ahandbook
ofpractices,policies,andprograms.)
Cordero,Antonia.Epstein,Irwin.
2005
PublicationInformation:Chapterof:Childwelfareforthetwentyfirstcentury:ahandbookof
practices,policies,andprograms.NewYork:ColumbiaUniversityPress
Availablefrom:ColumbiaUniversityPress
OrderDepartment136S.Broadway
Irvington,NY10533
Tel:8009448648
Fax:180094418449145919201
AvailableFrom:http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cup/
Thischapterfocusesonsuccessfulreunificationpracticeswithfamiliesaffectedbysubstance
abuse.Highlightingfindingsfromastudyofthecaserecordsof18familiesmandatedintocare
forreasonsofsubstanceabuse,itillustrateshowqualitativeclinicaldataminingofpositive
reunificationoutcomescanbeemployedtoidentifycasecharacteristicsandprovideexamplesof
strengthbasedfostercarepracticewithsubstanceabusingparents.Bestpracticesinthe
followingfourstagesofthereunificationhelpingprocessareexplained:theexplorationstage,
assessmentstage,interventionstage,andterminationstage.2tables,1figure,and37references.

Definingandachievingfamilyreunification(ChapterofChildwelfareforthetwentyfirst
century:ahandbookofpractices,policies,andprograms.)
Pine,BarbaraA.Spath,Robin.Gosteli,Stephanie.
2005
PublicationInformation:Chapterof:Childwelfareforthetwentyfirstcentury:ahandbookof
practices,policies,andprograms.NewYork:ColumbiaUniversityPress
Availablefrom:ColumbiaUniversityPress
OrderDepartment136S.Broadway
Irvington,NY10533
Tel:8009448648
Fax:180094418449145919201
AvailableFrom:http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cup/
ThischapterbeginswithnationalstatisticsonthenumberofchildreninfostercareintheUnited
States,andpresentsabriefoverviewofthepolicycontextoffamilyreunification.Thediscussion
outlinesabroaderdefinitionofpositiveoutcomesinfamilyreunificationandprovides
informationontheriskandprotectivefactorsoffamiliesworkingtowardreunification.
Promisingresearchbasedpracticeapproaches,theskillsandvaluesneededforeffectivepractice
infamilyreunification,andethicalaspectsofpracticearediscussed.Caseexamplesareincluded
toillustratepracticeprinciplesforworkingwithchildreninoutofhomecareandtheirfamilies.
51references.(Authorabstractmodified)
Lightingthefireofurgency:reunificationoffamiliesinAmericaschildwelfaresystem
[teleconference].
NationalResourceCenterforFamilyCenteredPracticeandPermanencyPlanning.
2005
TaylorandFrancisInc.
325ChestnutStreetSuite800
Philadelphia,PA19106
Tel:8003541420
Fax:2156258914
info@taylorandfrancis.com
AvailableFrom:http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
Thewebcastwillprovideparticipantswithinformationandtoolstoquicklyidentifyandengage
relativesforchildrenandyouthinAmericaschildwelfaresystem.Theresults,strengthsand
challengesofreplicationprojectsinCalifornia,Illinois,andWashingtonwillbediscussed.
Viewerswilllearnthatfamiliesaretypicallylargerinnumbersofrelativesandmorediversein
theirlevelsofstabilityandwillingnesstohelpthanpreviouslythought.Asaresultof
breakthroughtechnologyandpracticeframeworksemphasizingengagement,participationand
action,whichmayhavepreviouslynotbeenusedbychildwelfareprofessionals,familymembers
canbequicklyandextensivelyidentified.Thiswebcastwillilluminatethesebreakthrough
technologiesforviewersasnovelmeansofreunifyingchildrenandyouthwithfamilies.Free

registrationisrequiredtoviewtheevent.(Authorabstractmodified)
http://event.netbriefings.com/event/nrcfcpp/Archives/hunternrcfcppp7/
Familyreunificationpracticewithparentswhoabusedrugs(ChapterofChildwelfareforthe
twentyfirstcentury:ahandbookofpractices,policies,andprograms.)
Maluccio,AnthonyN.Ainsworth,Frank.
2005
PublicationInformation:Chapterof:Childwelfareforthetwentyfirstcentury:ahandbookof
practices,policies,andprograms.NewYork:ColumbiaUniversityPress
Availablefrom:ColumbiaUniversityPress
OrderDepartment136S.Broadway
Irvington,NY10533
Tel:8009448648
Fax:180094418449145919201
AvailableFrom:http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cup/
Thischapterexploresthechallengessocialworkersfaceinattemptingtoreunifyfamiliesin
whichthereisparentaldrugabuse.Theincidenceofchildreninoutofhomecarewhohave
parentsthatabusedrugsisdiscussed,aswellasthecontinuedrelevanceoffamilyreunification
practiceinservingthesefamilies.Newserviceinnovationsthatfacilitatedrugtreatmentare
highlighted,andathreestagemodeloffamilyreunificationispresented.26references.
EvaluationoftheIntensiveReunificationProgramofKansasChildrensServiceLeague.
Berry,Marianne.McCauley,Kelly.
UniversityofKansas
2005
PublicationInformation:MarianneBerry
Availablefrom:MarianneBerry
UniversityofKansas311TwenteHall
Lawrence,KS660443184
Tel:(785)8642378
andysmom@ku.edu
ThisreportevaluatestheeffectivenessoftheIntensiveReunificationProgram(IRP),aprogram
thatprovidesshorttermintensiveservicestoparentsofchildreninfostercare.Theprogramwas
developedinthesummerof2003,andpilottestedbetweenOctober,2003andOctober,2004.The
evaluationoftheprogramwasaquasiexperimentaldesign,comparingfamilyprogressandcase
outcomesbetween12familiescompletingthepilotprogramand14purposivelyselectedfamilies
receivingconventionalfostercareservicesduringthesametimeperiod.Atotalof12familiesin
theIRPwerestudied,butonly7hadcompletedatleast36weeksintheprogrambyOctober,
2004.FindingsfromtheevaluationindicatetheIRPexperienceda57%reunificationrateforits
families,comparedtoa29%reunificationrateforfamiliesreceivingconventionalservicesforthe
samelengthoftime(ormore).Whenreunificationratesarebasedonchildrenratherthan
families,thereunificationrateswere56%forthoseinthepilotgroupand29%forthoseinthe

conventionalgroup.Another24%ofthechildreninthecomparisongroupreunified,butlater
returnedtocare.TherewerenodisruptionsintheIRPgroup.Inadditiontheaveragetimeto
reunificationforthoseintheIRPwas7months,comparedto8monthsintheconventional
group.TheIRPwasalsofoundtobesuccessfulinreunifyingfamiliesreferredforphysicalabuse,
neglect,ortruancy.Theconventionalfostercareservicesgroupexperiencedreunificationsof
familiesreferredforphysicalabuseorneglect.Finally,after36weeksineachprogram,theIRP
familieshadmorepositiveratingsfromtheircaseworkersthandidthoseinconventionalservices
inparentingskills,homeenvironment,socialsupportandfamilyrelationships.
Recommendationsforreunificationprogramsareprovided.Anappendixincludesthefollowing
tools:ConcurrentPlanningGuide,AdultAdolescentParentingInventory(AAPI2),The
StrengthsandStressorsTrackingDevice,andfeedbackforms.3tablesand9references.(Author
abstractmodified)
Aresiliencebasedmodelofreunificationandreentry:implicationsforoutofhomecare
services.
Thomas,M.Chenot,David.Reifel,Barbara.
CaliforniaStateUniversity.
2005
Familiesinsociety:thejournalofcontemporarysocialservices.
86p.235243
PublicationInformation:Milwaukee,WI:AllianceforChildrenandFamilies.
Availablefrom:AllianceforChildrenandFamilies
11700WestLakeParkDrive
Milwaukee,WI53224
Tel:4143591040
Fax:4143591074
info@familiesinsociety.org
AvailableFrom:http://www.familiesinsociety.org
Thisstudypresentsaresiliencebasedmodelforthesuccessfulreunificationofchildreninoutof
homecareservices.Individual,familial,andenvironmentalriskandprotectivefactorsassociated
withreunificationandreentryintooutofhomecareweregleanedfromrelevantliteratureand
informtheconstructionofthemodel.Theresiliencebasedmodeldemonstratesthathighlevels
ofprotectivefactorscanbufferorevenweakentheholdofriskfactors,therebyreducingthe
likelihoodofreentry.Theimportanceofresilienceinformedinterventionsinpreventingreentry
andpromotingthecontinuedreunificationofchildrenishighlighted.Theimplicationsofthis
resiliencebasedmodelforpracticeandresearcharediscussed.(Authorabstract)
CelebratingFamilies:aninnovativeapproachforworkingwithsubstanceabusingfamilies.
Tisch,Rosemary.Dohse,Deborah.Sibley,Linda.
NationalAbandonedInfantsAssistanceResourceCenter.
2005
Thesource:newsletteroftheNationalAbandonedInfantsAssistanceResourceCenter.

14p.610
PublicationInformation:Berkeley,CA:NationalAbandonedInfantsAssistanceResource
Center,SchoolofSocialWelfare,UniversityofCaliforniaatBerkeley.
Availablefrom:NationalAbandonedInfantsAssistanceResourceCenter
UniversityofCalifornia,BerkeleySchoolofSocialWelfare1950AddisonSt.,Suite104
Berkeley,CA94704
Tel:(510)6437020
Fax:(510)6437019
aia@berkeley.edu
AvailableFrom:http://aia.berkeley.edu
ThisarticleprofilesCelebratingFamilies!(CF!),anewapproachtobringingreunificationto
familiesseparatedduetoparentalsubstanceabuseaccompaniedbyneglect,domesticviolence,
orabuse.Thiseducation/supportgroupmodelwasdevelopedforuseintheSantaClaraCounty,
California,FamilyDrugTreatmentCourt.CF!exploresfouraspectsofhealthyliving:physical,
psychological,social,andspiritual.Themodelconsistsof15weekly,90minutesessions,each
followedbya30minutestructured,relatedfamilyactivity.Earlyresearchresultshaveshowna
significantincreaseintherateoffamilyreunificationandashortenedstayinfostercarefor
children.Therationalefortheapproachisdiscussed,alongwiththeroleofdrugtreatment
courts,thehistoryoftheprogram,programobjectives,foundationsoftheprogram,the
curriculum,andprogramoutcomes.14references.
http://aia.berkeley.edu/media/pdf/source_vol14_no1.pdf
Whenfamilyreunificationworks:dataminingfostercarerecords.
Cordero,AntoniaE.
UniversityofConnecticut.
2004
Familiesinsociety:thejournalofcontemporarysocialservices.
85p.571580
PublicationInformation:Milwaukee,WI:FamiliesinSociety.
Availablefrom:FamiliesinSociety
11700WestLakeParkDrive
Milwaukee,WI532243099
Tel:14143591040x3663
Fax:14143591074
info@familiesinsociety.org
AvailableFrom:http://www.familiesinsociety.org
Concurrentpermanencyplanningpolicymandatesheightentheneedtoevaluateeffectivefamily
reunificationpractices.Thisretrospectivepracticebasedstudyexaminespositivefamily
reunificationoutcomesataNewYorkCityfostercareagency.Itusesaqualitativeclinicaldata
miningmethodologyandtheProfessionalReviewActionGroupcasereviewmodeltoconduct
anintensiveexaminationof18familiescaserecords.Familiesweremandatedintocarefor

neglect,domesticviolence,orsubstanceabuse.Thispaperidentifiesfamilycharacteristicsand
strengthbasedcaseworkpracticesthatemergeduringexaminationofthefostercare
reunificationprocess.Thefamilycharacteristicsexaminedinclude(a)familyattachmentbonds,
(b)separationanxiety,(c)reunificationambivalence,and(d)intergenerationalfamilypatterns.In
addition,3caseworkpracticesemerge:(a)theworkersactivesupportofresiliencyinfamily
attachment;(b)theworkersattentiontotheresolutionofplacementseparationanxietyand
familyreunificationambivalence,and(c)theworkersattentiontointergenerationalfamily
patterns.Practiceimplicationsforrefinementoffostercarebestpracticesarediscussed.(Author
abstract)
Promisingpracticesinchildwelfare:familyreunification:areviewofcurrentstrategies/
VoicesforAmericasChildren.
Voicesissuebrief
VoicesforAmericasChildren.
2004
PublicationInformation:Washington,DC:VoicesforAmericasChildren.
Availablefrom:VoicesforAmericasChildren
1000VermontAvenue,NW,Suite700
Washington,DC20005
Tel:2022890777
Fax:2022890776
voices@voices.org
AvailableFrom:http://www.voicesforamericaschildren.org
SponsoringOrganization:FreddieMacFoundation.
The2001federalChildOutcomesReportrevealedthatstateswithhighratesoffamily
reunificationwithin12monthsofplacementalsohavehighratesofreentryintofostercare.The
trendisindicativeofafailuretoadequatelypreparefamiliesforthechildsreturnhome.This
briefdescribeseffectivestrategiesthathelptosupportsuccessfulreunifications.Servicesinclude
intensivetimelimitedtreatment,parentchildvisitation,psychosocialcounseling,aftercare
assistance,extendedfamilyinvolvement,andcollaborationbetweenfosterandbirthparents.
Strengthsbasedfamilyservicesandgeographicproximitytobirthparentsalsohelptoimprove
reunificationoutcomes.Evaluatorssuggestthatpreservationprogramsfocusonaspecific
populationoffamilieswithfoundedreportsofmaltreatmentandconcentrateeffortsoncertain
problems,suchasparentalsubstanceabuse.24notes.
http://www.voicesforamericaschildren.org/Content/ContentGroups/Policy/Child_Safety/Member
_Mailing1/Forming_Families/Promising_Practices_in_Child_Welfare_Family_Reunification/Reu
nification.pdf
Promisingpracticesinreunification.
Dougherty,Susan.
NationalResourceCenterforFosterCareandPermanencyPlanning.
2004

10

Availablefrom:NationalResourceCenterforFamilyCenteredPracticeandPermanency
Planning
HunterCollegeSchoolofSocialWork129East79thStreet
NewYork,NY10021
Tel:2124527053
Fax:2124527475
grad.socworkadvisor@hunter.cuny.edu
AvailableFrom:http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/socwork/nrcfcpp
Littleintheliteraturehelpstoidentifyprogramsthataresuccessfulinachievinglasting
reunificationofchildreninoutofhomecarewiththeirfamilies.Muchoftheresearchhaslooked
atcharacteristicsofchildrenandfamiliesthathelporhinderreunification,butnotatwhether
childrenareabletoremainintheirhomesovertime,orwhattheirlongtermoutcomesarein
safetyandwellbeing(LittellandSchuerman,1995;Maluccio,1998;Wulczyn,2004).The
NationalResourceCenterforFosterCareandPermanencyPlanning(NRCFCPP)hasworked
withsomeprogramsthatseemtobemovingtowardfaster,saferandlastingreunifications.
However,asthereislittleresearchtoprovethattheseprogramsactuallydowork,theyhave
choseninthisreporttohighlightseveralpracticestheybelieveareimportantcomponents
ofreunificationprogramsthatappeartobeachievinggoodresults.Thesepracticesare:placement
decisionmaking;parentchildvisiting;intensiveservices;resourceparent/birthparent
collaboration;andaftercareservices.7references.(Authorabstractmodified)
http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/socwork/nrcfcpp/downloads/promisingpracticesin
reunification.pdf
Reunifyingfamilies,cuttingcosts:housingchildwelfarepartnershipsforpermanent
supportivehousing.
Harburger,DeborahS.White,RuthA.
ChildWelfareLeagueofAmerica.
2004
Childwelfare.
83p.493508
PublicationInformation:Washington,DC:ChildWelfareLeagueofAmerica.
Availablefrom:ChildWelfareLeagueofAmerica
2345CrystalDrive,Suite250
Arlington,VA22202
Tel:7034122400
Fax:7034122401
order@cwla.org
AvailableFrom:http://www.cwla.org/
Intheabsenceofanadequatesupplyofaffordable,qualityhousing,childwelfareagenciesare
placedintheunenviablepositionofseparatingfamiliestoprotectchildrenfromthedebilitating
effectsofhomelessness.Thisarticlepresentsrecommendationsforcosteffectivehousingchild

11

welfarepartnershipsthatwillshifttheburdenofprovidingadequatehousingbacktohousing
agencies.Thesepartnershipshavethepotentialtomovechildwelfareagenciescloserto
achievingpermanenceandwellbeingforallchildren.Atableindicatesthepotentialsavings
eachstatemayrealizebyprovidingsupportivehousing.(Authorabstractmodified)
Reconnectingchildrenwithabsentparents:amodelforintervention.
Freeman,Rhonda.Abel,David.CowperSmith,Mary.Stein,Laurie.
AFCCAssociationofFamilyandConciliationCourts.HofstraUniversity.SchoolofLaw.
FamilyServiceToronto.
2004
Familycourtreview.
42p.439459
PublicationInformation:ThousandOaks,CA:SagePublications.
Availablefrom:SagePublications
2455TellerRoad
ThousandOaks,CA91320
Tel:80081872438054999774
Fax:80058326658054990871
info@sagepub.com
AvailableFrom:http://www.sagepub.com
Reconnectingachildwithanabsentparentisacomplexprocess.Thisarticledescribesvariables
influencingthereconnectionandproposesasevenstagemodelforsupportingsuccessful
reconnections.Caseexamplesillustratethediscussion.Ethicaldilemmasforpractitionersand
courtsinvolvedinreconnectionsareoutlined.Guidelinesforworkingwithreconnectionsand
directionsforfutureworkareproposed.Experiencewiththemodelunderscorestheimportance
ofmaintainingachildcenteredfocusandtimeline,understandingsafetyandriskissuesand
implementinganappropriatesafetyplan,thecriticalroleofassessmentandsupportservices,
andthevalueofconsultationandteamwork.(Authorabstract)
Birthparentsandthereunificationprocess:astudyoftheMendocinoCountymodel.
Frame,Laura.Conley,Amy.Berrick,JillDuerr.
UniversityofCalifornia,Berkeley.CenteforSocialServicesResearch.
2004
PublicationInformation:BerkeleyCA:CenterforSocialServicesResearch.SchoolofSocial
Welfare.UniversityofCaliforniaatBerkeley.
Availablefrom:CenterforSocialServicesResearch
UniversityofCaliforniaBerkeley,SchoolofSocialWelfare120HavilandHall,#7400
Berkeley,CA947207400
Tel:5106421899
Fax:5106421895
ecohen@berkeley.edu
AvailableFrom:http://cssr.berkeley.edu/research_units/bassc/index.html

12

Thisreportdiscussesthefindingsofastudythatexaminedkeyservicesofferedbythe
MendocinoCountyFamilyServiceCenter(MCFSC)toassistbirthparentsingaining
reunification,inordertobetterunderstandthechangeprocessforbirthparentsinthechild
welfaresystem,theirserviceneeds,andthepotentialusefulnessoftheMCFSCmodelinmeeting
thoseneeds.Inparticular,thestudysoughttoexaminetheroleoftheIntakeandEmpowerment
groups,toidentifythekeycomponentsofthegroupinterventionsthatappearedtofacilitatea
changeprocessforbirthparents,andgivevoicetotheexperienceofbirthparentswithrespectto
thischangeprocessandtheservicestheyhavereceived.Thestudyuseddatafrominterviews
andfocusgroupsinvolving14staffmembersand17clients.Thereportbeginsbyexplainingthe
roleofthe8weekIntakesupportgrouptoaddressissuesofangeranddenial,educatetheclient
aboutthecourtprocessandtheimportanceofbuildingrelationshipswithsocialworkers,andto
facilitateboththetakingofresponsibilityandengagementinfurtherservicesbyfocusingonthe
importanceofchange.FollowingsuccessfulparticipationinanIntakegroup,parentsbegina
seriesofparentingclasseswhilesimultaneouslyenteringanEmpowermentgroup,duringwhich
parentsareprovidedwithweeklysupportfortheirprocessofchange.Thereportsharesstaff
perspectivesontheprogramphilosophy,theoriesofchange,andservicesapproach,followedby
asummaryofclientsdescriptionsoftheirneeds,andtheirperspectivesonservicesreceived.
Observationsoftheclientchangeprocessarediscussed,reportingonthe8weekempowerment
groupprocess.Thissectionincludesadiscussionofinterventionsbygroupfacilitators,
interventionsbygroupmembers,andacaseexampledesignedtoillustratethekindsofchanges
observedtooccurwithinthe8weekperiod.21references.(Authorabstractmodified)
http://cssr.berkeley.edu/childwelfare/pdfs/Promising/Mendocino_Full_Report.pdf
Identifyingandreducingbarrierstoreunificationforseriouslymentallyillparentsinvolved
inchildwelfarecases.
RisleyCurtiss,Christina.Stromwall,LayneK.Hunt,DebraTruett.Teska,Jennifer.
AllianceforChildrenandFamilies
2004
FamiliesinSociety
85p.107118
Availablefrom:AllianceforChildrenandFamilies
11700WestLakeParkDrive
Milwaukee,WI53224
Tel:4143591040
Fax:4143591074
info@familiesinsociety.org
AvailableFrom:http://www.familiesinsociety.org
Formingjudgmentsaboutparentingcapacity,anecessarypartofpermanencyplanning,ismuch
moredifficultwhentheparenthasaseriousmentalillness.Thetimenecessaryforeffective
treatmentforsuchparentsisoftenlongerthanthecourtorderedtimelimitforfamily
reunification.Thisputsmentallyillparentsatadistinctdisadvantageintheireffortstopreserve

13

theirfamilies.UsingArizonaasanexample,thisarticlediscussesthebarriersinbothchild
welfareandmentalhealthsystemstoaccurateandeffectiveassessmentandtreatment.It
presentsrecommendationsforresearchandsuggestionsforchildwelfarepersonneltoenhance
thepotentialformentallyillparentstoreunifywiththeirchildren.(Authorabstract)
http://www.alliance1.org/Publications/fis/FIS_PDFs/851PDFs/851Risle.pdf
Evaluationoffamilypreservationandreunificationprograms[website].
Westat.UniversityofChicago.ChapinHallCenterforChildren.JamesBellAssociates.
2003
Availablefrom:U.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices
OfficeoftheAssistantSecretaryforPlanningandEvaluation,Room415F200Independence
Avenue,SW
Washington,DC20201
Tel:20269078588776966775
Fax:2026906562
ocrmail@hhs.gov
AvailableFrom:http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp
Conductedfrom1994through2002,theEvaluationofFamilyPreservationandReunification
Programswasintendedtoevaluaterigorouslyprogramsdesignedtopreventtheplacementof
childreninfostercarewhenitcanbeavoided.Arelatedefforttoreunifyfamilieswhohadat
leastonechildplacedinfostercarewasalsoevaluated,andrelatedissuepapersonfamily
preservation,fiscalreform,andcostestimationwereproduced.Theevaluationwasoriginally
undertakenasdirectedbyCongressinthe1993OmnibusBudgetReconciliationActwhich
createdtheFamilySupportandFamilyPreservationProgram,sincerenamedthePromotingSafe
andStableFamiliesProgram.Westat,ChapinHallCenterforChildren,andJamesBellAssociates
conductedtheevaluationandwrotethereports.
http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/evalfampres94/
Intensivefamilyreunificationservicesprotocol.
NationalFamilyPreservationNetwork.
2003
Availablefrom:NationalFamilyPreservationNetwork
3971North1400East
Buhl,ID83316
Tel:8884989047
director@nfpn.org
AvailableFrom:http://www.nfpn.org
Thisprotocolprovidesanoverviewofthehistory,valuesandbeliefs,programstandards,
research,publicpolicy,andresourcesonsafelyandeffectivelyreunitingfamiliesfollowingout
ofhomeplacement.Reunificationservicesinthisprotocolarecloselytiedto,yetnotidenticalto
IntensiveFamilyPreservationServices.Theseservicesmaybeprovidedwithinanychildand
familyservicesystem,includingchildwelfare,juvenilejustice,mentalhealth,anddevelopmental

14

disabilities.Forpurposesofthisprotocol,thechildwelfaresystemrepresentsallothersystems.
(Authorabstractmodified)
http://www.nfpn.org/reunification/protocol.php
http://www.nfpn.org/reunification/files/ifrs_protocol.pdf
EvaluationofOregonsTitleIVEwaiverdemonstrationproject,finalreport.
Lehman,Constance.Liang,Shu.O?Dell,Kirstin.Duryea,Maria.
ChildWelfarePartnershipGraduateSchoolofSocialWork,PortlandStateUniversity.
2003
Availablefrom:PortlandStateUniversity,GraduateSchoolofSocialWork
520SWHarrisonSt.
Portland,ORAvailableFrom:http://www.cwp.pdx.edu
SponsoringOrganization:ChildrensBureau
AspartoftheTitleIVEWaiverDemonstrationProject,thestateofOregonallocatedfostercare
maintenancefundstosupportchildrenandfamilieswithintheStrengths/NeedsBasedSystemof
Careprogram.Localchildwelfareagencieswerepermittedtospendtheflexiblemoneyforfoster
careprevention,theexpansionofeffectiveservices,thedevelopmentofnewservices,and
subsidizedguardianship.Theintentionofthewaiverwastoreduceplacementsinfostercareand
improvethewellbeingoffamilies.Thisreportsummarizesthefindingsofprocess,impact,and
outcomeevaluations.Comparisonsweremadebetweenagenciesthatparticipatedinthewaiver
projectandthesystemofcareinitiative;agencieswithawaiverbutnoinvolvementinthesystem
ofcareprogram;agenciesthatparticipatedinthesystemofcareinitiative,butnotthewaiver
project;andagenciesthatdidnotparticipateineitherprogram.Althoughagenciesreceiving
waiverfundshadlowerplacementratesthannonwaiverjurisdictions,therewasnodifferencein
familyreunificationswithinoneyearofchildplacementinfostercare.Thegroupsalsohad
similarratesofpermanencywithrelativesandriskforsubsequentmaltreatment.Placement
stabilitywasgreaterforagenciesparticipatinginoneprogramthanagenciesthatreceivedfunds
fromthewaiverandthesystemofcareinitiative.Theresultsdemonstratethatchildrenreceiving
flexiblefundsfromthewaiverweremorelikelytoremainintheirhome.However,the
evaluationdidnotexaminetheeffectivenessofspecificservices.Thestudyrecommendsthatthe
flexiblefundingstreamscontinueafterthecompletionofthewaiverprojectandthatmore
evaluationsbeconductedtomeasureoutcomesofservices.20figures,22tables.
http://www.cwp.pdx.edu/pdfs/Waiver%20Final%20Report%2032703.pdf
Tailoringintensivefamilypreservationservicesforfamilyreunificationcases:finalresultsof
fieldtestingandvalidationoftheNorthCarolinaFamilyAssessmentScaleforReunification.
Kirk,RaymondS.
NationalFamilyPreservationNetwork.
2002
Availablefrom:NationalFamilyPreservationNetwork
3971North1400East
Buhl,ID83316

15

Tel:8884989047
director@nfpn.org
AvailableFrom:http://www.nfpn.org
FamilyserviceagenciesinIndianapolis,Indiana;FederalWay,Washington;andSt.Louis,
Missouripilottestedtheuseoffamilypreservationtechniquesforfamilieswithreunification
plans.Thedemonstrationproject,whichwasadministeredbytheNationalFamilyPreservation
Network,alsoexaminedthevalidityoftheNorthCarolinaFamilyAssessmentScalefor
Reunification(NCFASR).Thescaleevaluatesthestrengthsandneedsoffamiliesinseven
domains:environment,parentalcapabilities,familyinteractions,familysafety,childwellbeing,
caregiver/childambivalence,andreadinessforreunification.Approximatelythreefourthsofthe
170casesmanagedoveratwoyearperiodwereresolvedwiththereturnofthechild.The
NCFASRwasfoundtobereliableandvalidforevaluatingparticipantsandreflecting
relationshipsbetweenratingscoresandoutcomes.28references,11figures,and6tables.
http://www.nfpn.org/tools/articles/files/researchreport.doc
Understandingtheparentingsupportneedsofmaltreatingparentsandtheirchildren.
Kuehnle,Kathryn.Becker,Marion.Lynn,NancyB.
ChildrensBoardofHillsboroughCounty(FL)
UniversityofSouthFlorida,CollegeofPublicHealth.
2002
Availablefrom:ChildrensBoardofHillsboroughCounty
1205East8thAvenue
Tampa,FL33605
Tel:(813)2292884
AvailableFrom:http://www.childrensboard.org
ThisstudyexaminedfamilyreunificationpracticeinHillsboroughCounty,Floridatoidentify
opportunitiestosupportparentswhentheirchildrenarereturnedtotheircare.Thelackof
supportforparentsplaceschildrenatriskofrepeatmaltreatmentandreentryintofostercare.
Informationforthestudywasobtainedfromareviewofbestpracticesinparenteducationand
interviewswithparents,kinshipcareproviders,fosterparents,dependencyattorneys,andchild
welfareworkers.Thefindingsrevealedseveralchallengestothedevelopmentoffamily
reunificationservices,includinginadequatestafftimeandtheemphasisoffundingsourceson
placement.Existingparenteducationtechniquesarenoteffectivebecauseofdifficultieswith
visitationandthelackofconsiderationforthecultural,socioeconomic,andeducational
characteristicsoftheparents.Thestudyrecommendsthatthecommunityimplementthe
NurturingParentProgrammodelwithfeaturessuchascustomizedmaterialsforsubgroupsof
childrenandparents,homevisitation,interactionsbetweenparentsandchildren,andextended
interventionactivities.Communityvolunteerscanberecruitedtotransportchildrentovisittheir
parentsandtoprovideparenttrainingandsupport.
http://www.childrensboard.org/downloads/malpar%20REFLO.pdf

16

AComprehensiveApproachtoFamilyReunificationFollowingIncestinanEraof
LegislativelyMandatedCommunityNotification.
DigiorgioMiller,J.
MorristownMemorialHospital,Morristown,NJ.FamilyEnrichmentProgram.
2002
JournalofOffenderRehabilitation
358391
PublicationInformation:HaworthPress,Inc.,Binghampton,NY.
Availablefrom:HaworthPress
10AliceStreet
Binghamton,NY139041580
Tel:8004296784
Fax:8008950582
getinfo@haworthpressinc.com
AvailableFrom:http://www.haworthpress.com
Thereislittlecomprehensiveliteraturethatoutlinesthetreatmentprocessofreunificationofthe
incestfamilywherethefatheristheoffender.Mostoftheliteratureregardingfamily
reunificationoffersfamilytherapymodelswhichfailtointegratetheindividualsperspectiveand
issuesrelatedtotheabusewiththeformulationofafamilytherapyplan.Treatmentproviders
oftenprematurelyapproachthisreunificationprocesspriortounderstandingallofthedynamics
involvedinasafeprocesswhichensuresthecomfortofthevictimwhileunderstandingthe
relapsepreventionplanoftheoffender.Theyrecommendfamilytherapywhenonefamily
memberrequestsitwithoutconsideringtheprogressorrequestsoftheotherfamilymembers.
Thismayassistthefamilyinthehopethatreunificationmaybejustaroundthecornerwhenin
fact,theoffendermaynothavelearnedhisriskfactorsordoesnothaveaworkablerelapse
preventionplan.Thevictim,whilehe/shemayrequestthemeeting,maynotbereadytoprocess
his/herfeelingsregardingtheabuse.Thispaperexaminesthecurrentliteratureonincestuous
familyreunificationandpresentacomprehensivetreatmentmodelthattakesintoconsideration
eachfamilymembersissuesregardingtheabuse.Avictimcenteredapproachintegratedwith
offenderspecifictreatmentwillbediscussed.Theimpactofthecurrentnotificationlawsonthe
familyandhowthetherapistroleregardingthisimpactbothwiththefamilyandtheother
systemsarealsodiscussed.(Authorabstract)10references.
ProjectFamily:finalevaluationreport.
Thomas,CharlesG.Illback,RobertJ.Sanders,Daniel.
TheFamilyPlace:AChildAbuseTreatmentAgency,Inc.,Louisville,KY.
2002
PublicationInformation:TheFamilyPlace:AChildAbuseTreatmentAgency,Inc.,Louisville,
KY.
Availablefrom:TheFamilyPlace
982EasternParkway

17

Louisville,KY40217
USA
Tel:5026362801
Fax:5026362857
cthomas@familyplaceky.org
AvailableFrom:http://www.familyplaceky.org
SponsoringOrganization:ChildrensBureau
TheFamilyPlace:AChildAbuseTreatmentAgencyutilizesthefamilysystemsapproachtotreat
familiesaffectedbyincest.Servicesarecustomizedtothespecificeffectsofintrafamilialsexual
abuseandaredesignedtosupportfamilyreunificationorcontactgoals.Childrenandnon
offendingparentsreceiveindividualandgrouptherapy,whilenonabusedsiblingsparticipatein
familytherapy.Offendersattendindividual,couples,andgrouptherapy.TheProjectFamily
evaluationwasintendedtomeasuretheeffectivenessoftheprogramanditsadherencetothe
principlesoffamilysystemstreatment.Desiredoutcomesincludedsafetyforthechildand
family,recognitionofpersonalresponsibilityandrisksforsexualabuse,improvedparenting
skills,anddecreasedsymptoms.Althoughtheevaluationwasnotcompletedasplannedbecause
oflowparticipation,thestudyfocusedonthereliabilityoftheTreatmentReviewQuestionnaire
usedbytherapiststoassessprogress.Thepreliminarystudyindicatedthattheinstrumentwas
reliableandrevealeddifferencesintheperspectivesoftherapistsandclients.Therapistsassessed
progressbasedontheseverityoftheproblems,thedurationofabuse,andsubstantiation.Clients
consideredthedurationoftheabuseandfamilychemicaldependencywhenreviewingtheir
success.Thereportadvisessimilarprogramstogeneratereferralsfrommultiplesourcesandto
informreferringagenciesabouttheevaluationresearch.Evaluationstudiesalsoshouldaddress
issuessuchasinformedconsentandtheimpactofmultiplesystemsonresearchparticipation.14
tables,1measure.
MyBabysFather:AFamilySystemsFocusonReInvolvementofMeninMeetingFamily
ReunificationandPermanencyGoals.
Ford,RossN.
2002
TheNationalResourceCenterforFamilyCenteredPracticeandPermanencyPlanning
p.2226
PublicationInformation:NewYork,NY:TheNationalResourceCenterforFamilyCentered
PracticeandPermanencyPlanning
NationalResourceCenterforFamilyCenteredPracticeandPermanencyPlanning
HunterCollegeSchoolofSocialWork129East79thStreet
NewYork,NY10021
Tel:2124527053
Fax:2124527475
grad.socworkadvisor@hunter.cuny.edu
AvailableFrom:http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/socwork/nrcfcpp

18

TosupportbetteroutcomesforfamiliesandchildrenMyBabysFather,usesafamilysystems
approachandconcreteskilldevelopmentasawaytoincreasemaleinvolvement.Thetrainingwe
useintheprogramisbasedontheEnrichedStructuralFamilyTherapy(ESFT)model,whichis
anoriginalfamilysystemsapproachtostrengtheningfamilies.ESFTisstrengthsoriented,
solutionfocused,skillsbasedandculturallysensitive.Themodelencouragesasystemic
perspectiveoffamiliesandhelpschildwelfareworkerstofocusonsolutions,notproblemsand
pathology.
http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/socwork/nrcfcpp/downloads/newsletter/BPNPSummer02.pdf
TreatingInfantParentRelationshipsintheContextofMaltreatment:RepairingtheRuptures
ofTrust.
Larrieu,JulieA.
TulaneUniv.HealthSciencesCenter,NewOrleans,LA.InstituteofInfantandEarlyChildhood
MentalHealth.
2002
ZerotoThree
1622
PublicationInformation:ZerotoThree:NationalCenterforInfants,Toddlers,andFamilies,
Washington,DC.
Availablefrom:ZerotoThree:NationalCenterforInfants,Toddlers,andFamilies
2000MSt.NWSuite200
Washington,DC200363307
Tel:80089943012026381144
AvailableFrom:http://www.zerotothree.org
TheInstituteofInfantandEarlyChildhoodMentalHealthofTulaneUniversityHealthSciences
Centerprovidesmultidisciplinaryassessmentandtreatmentforinfantsinfostercareandtheir
birthparentsinpreparationforthechildsreturnhome.Teammembers,includingchild
psychiatrists,developmentalpsychologists,clinicalsocialworkers,pediatricians,and
paraprofessionals,conductacomprehensivefamilyevaluationandrecommendcriteriafor
reunificationtothechildprotectiveagencyandthecourt.Interventionsfocusonindividual
familymembersaswellasthechildrenandconsistoftherapeuticvisitation,infantparent
psychotherapy,andinteractionguidance.Thegoalisforparentstodeveloptheminimumlevel
ofskillsnecessaryforreunification,withoptionstocontinuetreatmenttoaddressthesourceof
problems.Thisarticlereviewstheimportantelementsoftreatmentandreportsthesuccessofthe
program,whichhassignificantlyreducedtheriskofmaltreatmentforparticipants.6references.
ParentalVisitingandFamilyReunification:CouldInclusivePracticeMakeaDifference?
Leathers,S.J.
IllinoisUniv.,Chicago.JaneAddamsColl.ofSocialWork.
2002
ChildWelfare
81595616

19

PublicationInformation:ChildWelfareLeagueofAmerica,Inc.,Washington,DC.
Availablefrom:SonyaJ.Leathers
IllinoisUniv.JaneAddamsColl.ofSocialWork1040W.HarrisonAve.
Chicago,IL60607
SponsoringOrganization:IllinoisStateDept.ofChildrenandFamilyServices,Springfield.Office
oftheResearchDirector.
Thisstudyexaminedwhetherparentalinvolvementinfosterchildrensliveswhileinplacement
iscorrelatedwithmorefrequentvisitingandagreaterlikelihoodofreunification.Parental
involvementthroughinclusivepracticeisbelievedtohelpparentsovercomecommonbarriersto
visitation,suchastimerequirements,agencypolicy,transportation,fosterparents,and
psychologicalissuesaboutshameandinadequacy.Thehypothesiswastestedamongarandom
sampleof230twelveandthirteenyearoldsplacedintraditionalfamilyfostercare.Information
aboutvisitationpatternsandparentalinvolvementwascollectedfrominterviewswith
caseworkersandfostermothers.Caseworkersalsowereaskedtoratethelikelihoodthatthe
childrenwouldbereunifiedwiththeirfamily.Adaptationtofostercareandemotionaland
behaviordisturbancespecificallyweremeasured.Theresultssuggestthatmotherswhovisit
theirchildandareinvolvedincasereviewsandchildcareactivitiesvisitmorefrequentlythan
motherswhovisitinsettingssuchasagencyofficesandhavenoothertypesofinvolvement.In
addition,visitingfrequencyishighlypredictiveofreunification.Theseassociationswerenot
explainedbymaternalsubstanceabuse,mentalillness,orthechildsplacementhistory.Future
researchshoulddeterminetheimpactofinclusivepracticeonvisitationandreunificationrates.If
inclusivepracticeiseffective,theapproachwillhelpfamiliesandagenciescomplywiththe
timeframesmandatedintheAdoptionandSafeFamiliesAct.(Authorabstractmodified)21
references,4tables.
ActiveVersusReasonableEfforts:TheDutiestoReunifytheFamilyUndertheIndian
ChildWelfareActandtheAlaskaChildinNeedofAidStatutes.
Andrews,M.
TananaChiefsConference,Inc.,Fairbanks,AK.
2002
AlaskaLawReview
1985117
PublicationInformation:DukeUniv.,Durham,NC.SchoolofLaw.
Availablefrom:AlaskaLawReview
SchoolofLawDukeUniversityRoom2040
Durham,NC27708
Tel:9196137101
Fax:9196818460
publications@law.duke.edu
AvailableFrom:http://www.law.duke.edu/journals/
RecentdecisionsbytheAlaskaSupremeCourtplacenewresponsibilityonthestates

20

DepartmentofHealthandSocialServicestofacilitatefamilyreunificationforchildreninstate
care.Thisarticleexplorestheserulingsandtheirpotentialimpactonchildrenandfamiliesinthe
state.Specialattentionispaidtodifferencesbetweenreasonableeffortsprovisionsinthestates
ChildinNeedofAidstatuteandactiveeffortsmandatedunderthefederalIndianChildWelfare
Act.Thelegalhistoryandlegislativedevelopmentofeachstatuteisdiscussed,andtheauthor
arguesthatwithfewexceptions,theAlaskahighcourthasbeenconsistentinadheringtoboth
reasonableandactiveeffortsstandardsnitsdecisions.Anumberofcasesillustratingthis
argumentarepresented.Overthepast25years,thecourthasappliedasinglestandardthat
meetsprovisionsofbothstatutoryprovisions.Nonethelessthecourthasfailedtoarticulate
whethertheeffortsofthestateDepartmentofHealthandSocialServiceshasbeeninconsistentin
determinationsregardingthefitnessofparentstoprovidecareforchildrentakenintostate
custody.Thehighcourtneedstomoreclearlyarticulatefortrialcourtsrequirementsforobjective
testimonyofparentalunfitnessorunwillingnesstocareforachildinterminationhearings,the
authorsays.244footnotes.
http://www.law.duke.edu/journals/19ALRAndrews
Evaluationoffamilypreservationandreunificationprogram.Finalreport.Volume1and
Volume2/submittedbyWestat,ChapinHallCenterforChildrenUniversityofChicago,
JamesBellAssociates.
Westat.UniversityofChicago.ChapinHallCenterforChildren.JamesBellAssociates.United
States.Dept.ofHealthandHumanServices.AssistantSecretaryforPlanningandEvaluation.
2002
PublicationInformation:Washington,DC:Dept.ofHealthandHumanServices,Assistant
SecretaryforPlanningandEvaluation.
Availablefrom:U.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices
AssistantSecretaryforPlanningandEvaluationHumanServicesPolicy,Room404E200
IndependenceAvenueSW
Washington,DC20201
Tel:87769667752026190257
Fax:2026906562
AvailableFrom:http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp
Thisfinalreportpresentsanevaluationoffederallyfundedfamilypreservationprograms
designedtopreventtheplacementofchildreninfostercarewhenitcanbeavoided.Thereport
focusesonprogramsinKentucky,NewJersey,Tennessee,andPhiladelphia.Threeofthesites
employtheHomebuildersmodeloffamilypreservation(Kentucky,NewJersey,andTennessee).
TheHomebuilderspreventionprogramisbasedoncrisisinterventiontheoryandcallsforshort
term,timelimitedservicesprovidedtotheentirefamilyinthehome.Servicesincludecontact
withthefamilywithin24hoursofthecrisis,caseloadsizesofoneortwofamiliesperworker,
servicedurationof46weeks,provisionofconcreteservicesandcounseling,andupto20hours
ofserviceperweek.Philadelphiaemploysabroader,homebased,familypreservationservice
modelthatfocusesonthebehaviorofthefamilyoverall,andattemptstochangethewayin

21

whichthefamilyfunctionsasawholeandwithinthecommunity.Asidefromaprimarygoalof
placementprevention,themodelseekstoimprovefunctioningofparents,families,andchildren.
Theprogramstresseslongerterminterventionsbasedonfamilysystemstheory.The
PhiladelphiaprogramtailoredhomebasedservicestobuilduponthePennsylvaniaFree
substanceabuseservicesprovidedinthe1980s.Keycharacteristicsinclude12weeksofserviceto
families,afocusondrugandalcoholabuseinfamilies,caseloadsizesoffivefamiliesperworker,
andprovisionofbothconcreteservicesandcounseling.Studyfindingsfrominterviewswith
caseworkersandcaretakersfoundthefamilypreservationprogramsdidnotreduceplacementof
childreninfostercare.Volume1ofthereportprovidesadescriptionofthestudy
implementation,studysites,andfamiliesintheHomebuildersmodelsites.Volume2providesa
summaryofthestudy,anexaminationofservicesfortheHomebuildingsites,outcomeanalysis
fortheHomebuilderssites,adescriptionandanalysisofthePhiladelphiafamilypreservation
program,andstudyconclusions.Numeroustablesandfigures.(Authorabstractmodified)
http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/evalfampres94/final/

22